Hydrogen Storage R&D Activities
DOE's hydrogen storage R&D activities are aimed at increasing the gravimetric and volumetric energy density and reducing the cost of hydrogen storage systems for transportation, small stationary, and portable applications. Currently, on-board vehicular hydrogen storage is the main focus of DOE's hydrogen storage R&D activities. Both physical and materials-based systems are under investigation through the coordinated efforts of the National Storage Project.
For compressed hydrogen, lightweight composite tanks with high pressure ratings (10,000 psi) and conformability are being developed. For liquid hydrogen storage, improved insulated pressure vessels are being investigated.
Materials research is focused on developing and evaluating advanced solid-state materials. In the complex metal hydrides, there is a broad research program for complex metal hydrides to determine their potential for hydrogen storage. Hydrogen storage in chemical hydrogen systems and off-board hydrogen storage are also under investigation. Similarly, carbon nanostructures are being explored to ascertain possible novel hydrogen uptake mechanisms. A standardized testing program is also being developed to assess the performance, safety and life cycle of emergent complex metal hydrides and carbon adsorption/desorption hydrogen storage materials and systems.
To learn more about DOE's hydrogen storage research activities, see:
- National Hydrogen Storage Project
- Compressed/Liquid Hydrogen Tanks
- Metal Hydrides
- Chemical Hydrogen Storage
- Carbon-based and New Materials
- Testing and Analysis
Additional DOE hydrogen storage activities include: